The political
tension in Nigeria (the most populated country on the African continent) was
aggravated when the All Progressives Congress, APC, formed a coalition on the
6th of February, 2013 in anticipation of the 2015 general elections.
Formed in
February 2013, the party (APC) was the result of an alliance of Nigeria's three
biggest opposition parties and two other parties, which are: the Action
Congress of Nigeria (ACN); the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC); the All
Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP); and a faction of the All Progressives Grand
Alliance (APGA) – to take on the People's Democratic Party, PDP.
As preparations
were being made, there were displays of madness among the political representatives,
as so many politicians decamped from one party to another – bringing along,
impeachment saga.
Prominent among
the defecting politicians was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr.
Aminu Tambuwal, who was reported by The Punch Newspaper as making moves to halt
the impeachment saga surrounding his defection.
“There had been speculations that Tambuwal
might defect from the PDP, on which platform he was elected to the House, to
the APC.
“On Monday, the Speaker attended a meeting of
APC members convened by the Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, to discuss
the political future of the state.” The Punch reported.
We all need
to now form our coalition as citizens of Nigeria
The incumbent president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan, conceded defeat even before the declaration of the election results
by INEC. Yet, some people held that it was done with a motive to subjugate the
results either through becoming dictatorial or through assassination of the
president-elect, in the process of transition.
If at all that President Jonathan would be
looked upon with contempt, in his statesmanship by some individuals, he should
be praised first. This is because a large number of people that criticised the
motive of the president’s conceding of defeat did not acknowledge the
president’s sacrifice of avoiding being intoxicated by the so-called ‘power of
incumbency’.
Irrespective
of religion, tribe, political affiliation and status: we should become one for
Nigeria’s progress
That the Nigerian Constitution recognises the
right of individuals according to what everyone desires does not mean that we
should live divided. Because somebody’s opinion is different from ours, or
because somebody belongs to a group that is different from what we want does
not mean that we cannot look for a lasting solution on any trouble (prevalent)
in our society.
This, therefore, informed the need for
Nigeria citizens, as well as, expatriates to know what is required of them by
the constitution.
Duties and
obligations of the citizen: as stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution
The Nigeria Constitution holds every citizen
subservient by the provisions of the following duties and obligations of the
Nigeria’s citizens – aimed at proper development of the nation:
It shall be the duty of every citizen to:
1.Abide by this constitution (the Nigerian constitution); respect
its ideals and its institutions, the National Flag, the National Anthem, the
National Pledge, and legitimate authorities.
2.Help to enhance the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria,
defend Nigeria and render such national service as may be required.
3.Respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and
legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit
of common brotherhood.
4.Make positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress
and well-being of the community where he resides.
5.Render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the
maintenance of law and order.
6.Declare his income honestly to appropriate and lawful agencies and
pay his tax promptly.
Nigerians
now need to support president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to fully establish
democratic processes in the country
Source: Google.
As stipulated by the constitution, the duties
and obligations of the Nigeria’s citizens have united all (resident in the country)
together – irrespective of their differences.
Hence, everyone must observe the provisions
of the constitution, because it is required by the law; the reference of God
upon the creation (because man was created in God’s image – Gen 1:26); and for our
society’s calmness for the quick recovery that we are clamouring for: the
Change!
We should see ourselves as one; we should
implore the court in disputes; and we should not take the laws into our hands
(to perpetuate jungle-justice).
